G77 plus China Summit kicks off in Havana, Cuba

The Group of 77 plus China (G77+China) Summit kicked off in Havana, Cuba on Friday.

The meeting, running through Saturday, gathers delegations from more than 100 countries.

The opening ceremony was attended by Cuba's socialist revolution Army General Raul Castro. During his welcoming speech, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel highlighted China's efforts to promote international cooperation worldwide.

He said that cooperation, solidarity and human progress without exclusions are vital to helping tackle today's world challenges.

"Thanks for accepting the invitation that unites us today in defense of the future and the large majorities that comprise such a vast concept of humanity," he said. 

Diaz-Canel also denounced the six-decade-long U.S. embargo on the Cuban population, which has caused huge economic and humanitarian damage, and called on participants to fight for the right to development.

Cuba took on the rotating presidency of the G77+China this January.

Speaking at the summit's opening ceremony, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that the voice of the G77+China will always be essential for the UN system.

Terming the group as "a champion of multilateralism," Guterres called on the G77+China to "champion a system rooted in equality; champion a system ready to reverse the injustice and neglect of centuries; and champion a system that delivers for all humanity and not for the privileged."

More financial support is required to help Global South nations tackle climate change's impact, he added.

Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the special representative of Chinese President Xi Jinping, attended the summit.